Albert Snyder speaks to the media during a news conference following the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of the Westboro Baptist Church, Wednesday. (AP Photo/Bradley C Bower)

(Newser)
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The father of the dead Marine whose lawsuit was at the center of the Supreme Court's ruling on Westboro Baptist Church's right to protest funerals remains understandably ticked off at the "nut-job church," reports the York Dispatch. “We can no longer bury our dead in this country with dignity,” said Albert Snyder. But now he's not so happy with the Supreme Court, either: “I was very surprised,” he said of the ruling. “My first thought was that eight justices didn't have the common sense that God gave a goat.”

Still, Snyder says he's ready to "put this behind me and move on" after his five-year legal fight. His attorney said donations from supporters will easily cover the $16,500 that Snyder must pay to the church. And if Westboro is successful in its pursuit of another $100,000, they may seek more donations. “I'll keep up any fight I have to for the veterans and for our military men and women," said Snyder. Westboro, meanwhile, plans to increase its protests.

For anyone arguing freedom of speech, go tell the President (to his face) that you are going to kill him. CIVIL RIGHTS MY ASS!!!!! The government will take them whenever they feel fit.

Doctor-Zaius

Mar 4, 2011 6:04 AM CST

I sympathize with this man. If this happened in my back yard I would be right there shouting down Phelps and his evil brood. However, free speech is free speech. One of these days Phelps brood will go too far and there won't be enough cops to protect them from an enraged crowd.

janbee

Mar 3, 2011 10:06 PM CST

Our forefathers are twisting to see what we've become to read these comments. As well as turning our democracy into a laughing stock all over the world. Iran goes to sleep at night thanking their god for helping make us look like such fools. To mock someone being laid to rest for protecting our freedom is totally humiliating and shameful for us all. It's not about the protest - it's where.